New insurance benefit likely for GIs hurt in Iraq, Afghanistan

[Rose Siding]

snip>
Sen. Larry Craig, R-Idaho, chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs and sponsor of the measure, said in a statement issued after a recent visit with injured soldiers that he hoped the plan would "help ease the difficult times they have in front of them."

The precise number of troops who would qualify for the retroactive benefit is unknown. According to Pentagon figures, about 6,400 GIs have been so seriously injured that they didn't return to duty in Iraq or Afghanistan since conflict started there on Oct. 7, 2001.

Craig's original bill detailed how much compensation each injury would merit. A soldier who lost both hands or feet, for example, or who was blinded, or lost a hand and one eye would have received $100,000, the maximum amount. Loss of speech would have warranted $50,000 and loss of a thumb and index finger on the same hand merited $25,000.

Under the final bill, the Veterans Affairs and Defense departments determine the amounts.....

http://www.realcities.com/mld/krwashington/11603553.htm

[whistle]

1. Retro benefits under republicans, don't make me laugh

[Wickerman]

2. "6,400 GIs have been so seriously injured ..."

Bullshit. Underestimate much, GOP?

[Massacure]

3. It seems right. There are 15,000 casualties.

But casualty only means that you were knocked out of service for 24 hours. 1/3 seems fair for not returning.

Of course 6,400 injuries is much more than 1,600 deaths the media reports. The media buries it no matter how you look at it.

[oneold1-4u]

4. False enumerations!

The US denied hundreds if not thousands that served in VN. Most of those with any claim, died before their plight was even answered! I personally know of two who the military denied ever even served! One had records suddenly found after making contact with officers and buddies he served with! It will be hell for those who have to prove that they ever served in Iraq or Afghanistan when it will never be called war, and all records seem to be missing for hundreds!

[Lochloosa]

5. And our Soldiers are supposed to say

Thank you very much....FUCK YOU